Worship for the First Sunday in Lent

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the First Sunday in Lent

March 6, 2022

Photo by Sue Learner

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Grant us peace, grant us all peace.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed” Arranged by Lavawan Riley

Call to Worship (from Pastor Vicki Flippin of Summerfield UMC, Connecticut)

One: We have wandered a wilderness for two years.
Many: Seven hundred thirty days.
One: Lord, have mercy.
Many: We are famished.
One: We have done without community.
Many: We have done without routine.
One: We have done without childcare.
Many: We have done without touch.
One: We are famished.
Many: We come to this space hungry,
One: Untethered,
Many: Feeling wild.
One: We come to find some grounding
Many: For this uncertain journey

Hymn #405: “Seek Ye First”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

A Prayer for Ukraine by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, ELCA

O Lord, God of life, as you care for all creation, give us your peace. May our security come not from weapons, but from respect. May our strength come not from violence, but from love.
May our own wealth come not from money, but from sharing.
May our path be not one of ambition, but of justice. May our victory not be one of revenge, but of forgiveness. Unarmed and confident, help us to defend the dignity of all creation. Sharing today and always the bread of solidarity and peace. Amen.

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13

Children’s Time: “Why Do We Use Purple for Lent?”

Hymn #694: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Testing Kinship Loyalty” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Give Me Jesus” African-American Spiritual

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Prayer for Peace, in a Pandemic, Early in Lent

Holy One, Peaceful One,
We are horrified by what is happening to your people,
the ones being attacked
(the ones attacking)
the ones getting sick
the ones trying to offer healing
the ones who are tired
the ones about to buckle.
We’re worried.
Grant us peace.
Grant us wisdom,
for the facing of this hour.
And guide us
that the gifts you give us
and the gifts we give you
may be means of peace.
Amen

Hymn #2123: “Loving Spirit”

Benediction

God is hope.
God is a wellspring of hope!
Go, people of hope,
and trust what will be.
Amen

Postlude

“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” GESANGBUCH, Wittenberg

Worship for Transfiguration Sunday

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for Transfiguration Sunday

February 27, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“You are with us, You are with us all.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“I Love You, Lord” Arranged by Bruce Greer

Call to Worship

One: Wherever we stand,
Many: We stand on holy ground.
One: All of God’s people,
Many: Stand on holy ground.
One: Even when we don’t notice,
Many: God’s presence makes all ground holy.

Hymn #2272: “Holy Ground”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Holy and Gracious God,
We pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia;
for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid, and rightfully so.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death;
that they will choose for all people life,
and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war;
that they will remember that you direct your people
to turn our swords into plowshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage;
that they have wisdom and courage.
Above all, Holy One, today we pray for peace with justice for Ukraine.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Spirit, have mercy.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36

Children’s Time: God Shines Through You

Hymn #451: “Be Thou My Vision”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Shiny…or Maybe Just Shimmering” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Arranged Fred Bock

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Hymn #2102: “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory”

Benediction

Beloveds of God,
Pay attention.
Seek the clues that God is with you.
Let your attention go to the things that shimmer.
We are standing on Holy Ground.
So are they.
Thanks be to God, Amen!

Postlude

“Jesus Shall Reign” Arranged by Anna Laura Page

Worship for the 7th Sunday After Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 7th Sunday After Epiphany

February 20, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Wellspring of life, we trust in You.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Speak, O Lord” Arranged by Dave Mincy

Call to Worship

One: It has been said we are like plants,
Many: We need water, sun, and air.
One: Of course, we need more than that too.
Many: We need God, each other, and rest!
One: And more! We have many needs,
Many: And God has many ways to meet them.

Hymn #568: “Christ for the World We Sing”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Wellspring of Life,
We need you.
You are with us.
Thank you.
We need each other.
Help us find each other.
Thank you.
We need rest.
Help us gift each other with rest.
Thank you. Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26

Children’s Time: Sermon on the Plain, Explained

Hymn #549: “Where Charity and Love Prevail”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Like a Tree” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Lieder ohne Worte,” Op. 19, #1 Andante con moto by Felix Mendelssohn

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Scrappy Prayer

God, despite your dreams,
We are all a little scrappy.
We’ve gotten this far in life, (thanks!)
but we have our share of bruises and injuries to show for it.
Here we are.
As we are.
Giving thanks,
seeking you,
trusting you,
and giving to you of what we can.
Please bless our gifts,
so others might have a few less scars along the way.
Amen

Hymn #2283: “For All the Saints”

Benediction

Beloveds of God, grow where you are!
And learn from those who grow elsewhere.
Amen

Postlude

“Glorify Thy Name” Arranged by Fred Bock

Worship for the 6th Sunday After Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 6th Sunday After Epiphany

February 13, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Help us hear, help us listen.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Open My Eyes, That I May See” Arranged by Don Phillips

Call to Worship

One: Our lives are built on shifting sand.
Many: But God offers us stability.
One: Our expectations are held up by spring ice.
Many: Yet God helps us find a way to safety.
One: We are as certain of what will come next as of the weather
in two weeks.
Many: Still, we can predict that God’s love grounds the universe.

Hymn #508: “Faith, While Trees are Still in Blossom”

https://youtu.be/gA-jpGdnQ1w%20

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God, Our Fortress,
You are our solid rock,
our continual support,
the peace in the midst of our lives.
When we are shaky,
you are with us
offering a steadying hand.
When we are lost,
you are with us,
whispering the way forward.
When we can go no further,
we can simply rest in you.
God, Our Shelter,
as we respond to seemingly infinite change,
help us remember to rely on you.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 5:1-11

Children’s Time: Like a Rock?

Hymn #593: “Here I Am, Lord”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “Stay” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Breathe” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Prayer of Predictability

Steady Shelterer,
We are so thankful that you are the same from age to age.
We can let our guards down, knowing that you are our stability.
We trust that you love us in our changeability.
We trust you are wise enough to guide us through this time, too.
As we offer to you all that we have, may it be blessed to build the kindom,
be that through upsetting the status quo, or, perhaps, calming anxious nervous systems.
May love flow through us.
Amen

Hymn #571: “Go Make of All Disciples”

Benediction

Listen for God, whispering songs of love to you.
Listen, knowing that what God suggests will not take more than what you have.
Listen, and trust. Amen

Postlude

“Praise His Greatness” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Worship for the 5th Sunday After Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 5th Sunday After Epiphany

February 6, 2022

Photo by Zach Long

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“God of Love, guide us.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

How Firm A Foundation (Traditional American Melody) Arr. by Michael Sharp

Call to Worship

One: Dear ones, lay down your burdens.
Many: God can lift them up.
One: Dear ones, pick up hope.
Many: In God, we find our hope again.

Hymn #577: “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

Perfect Light of Revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, you shine in and through us.
With you, we are able to be beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening creation with deeds of justice and mercy.
With you, we are able to use nonviolence to build your kindom.
With you, we are able.
Amen.

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:21-30

Children’s Time: God Gifts Us with Feelings

Hymn #408: “The Gift of Love”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “The Only Way” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “I Worship You, Almighty God” with “Holy, Holy, Holy” Arranged by Mark Hayes

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

Prayer of Nonviolence

Holy God,
As we seek sanctification (to be filled with your love),
we notice there are things to let go of, and new skills to pick up.
As we seek to live your nonviolence, may we also notice what needs to be let go of, and what needs to be picked up.
And may all that we give be blessed, whether we give it to you, or give it away.
And may all that we gather be blessed, whether we gather it for ourselves, or for others of your beloveds.
Amen

Hymn #399: “Take My Life, and Let It Be”

Benediction

God’s love leads us towards love, which leads us to nonviolence.
May God guide us along the ways of nonviolence, to love. Amen

Postlude

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Arranged by Gail Smith

Worship for the 3rd Sunday After Epiphany

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 3rd Sunday After Epiphany

January 30, 2022

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“God of Visions, guide us.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein (When We Are in Deepest Need)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

One: From afar,
Many: *sigh*
One: From our homes,
Many: (murmured) …still…
One: With exhaustion,
Many: (yelled) SO MUCH EXHAUSTION!
One: We worship God.
Many: Because God is God and we are God’s. Still.

Hymn #57: “O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (v. 1-3, 5)

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

One Who Doesn’t Give Up,
You keep on dreaming for us,
Nurturing us towards wholeness,
Offering us ways to restart,
Seeding our dreams
for wonderful things.
When we feel like giving up,
let us lean on you.
When we need to give up,
help us trust you to get us BACK up.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:14-21

Children’s Time: Luke, Jesus, Us

Hymn #194: “Morning Glory, Starlit Sky”

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Sermon: “A Vision for Us Together” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “Christe, du Lamm Gottes (Oh Christ, You Lamb of God)” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Fifth(?) Wave Prayer

God of All the World,
Two years ago we had heard of a virus,
and wondered if it would travel the world and impact us.
We could not have imagined.
We’re not always good at imagining what will come,
but you are.
And you are always able to imagine good that can come,
even out of the hardest things.
Help us to imagine with you,
and bless our offerings that they may be useful to your dreams.
Amen

Hymn #2130: “The Summons”

Benediction

May God guide us, as we follow Jesus in upending the status quo for the sake of those who have been marginalized. Amen

Postlude

“Sonata II: Allegro Maestoso e vivace” by Felix Mendelssohn

Worship for the 2nd Sunday After Christmas

First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Worship for the 2nd Sunday After Christmas

January 23, 2022

Getting Centered

It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.

Breath Prayer

“Joyful One, fill us with joy.”
Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.
You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting, or you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.

Prelude

“Shepherds Pipings” by Helmut Walcha

Call to Worship

One: May the spirit of joy fill your heart.
Many: And also you!
One: May the hope of God renew you.
Many: And also you!

Hymn #62: All Creatures of Our God and King

Connecting in Prayer

Shared Prayer

God of Good Gifts,
Help us find balance,
to enjoy and savor the goodness of life,
while attending to the needs of those who are sick and struggling.
May our joy make space for justice,
our hope for compassion,
our delight for consideration.
May your presence in our lives
be visible in all we do,
and in how we love.
Amen

Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father (Creator) who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Word and Reflection

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Children’s Time: God as Co-Regular

Hymn #89: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Passing of the Peace

If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.
Whether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God’s peace within, and then to share it with the world. You may want to reach out to speak peace to another during this week.

Scripture Reading – John 2:1-12

Sermon: “To a People Called Hope” – Rev. Sara Baron

Responding

Offertory: “In Bethlehem a Wonder” by Helmut Walcha

Offering

Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?

A Winter Prayer

God of Good Gifts,
From the midst of the darkness,
from the midst of the cold,
from the midst of the pandemic,
we have found our way to praise you.
Despite it all, we know you are with us,
we know you are for us,
we know you seek our well being,
we know you seek the kindom.
We offer ourselves in response to your goodness,
may our offerings be blessed,
to be a blessing for all your people.
Amen

Hymn #644: “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”

Benediction

May hope in God guide your way. Amen

Postlude

Der Tag der ist so Freudenreich (This day that is so rich with joy) by Johann Sebastian Bach

Worship for Baptism of the Lord Sunday

The Gathering

Prayer

Special Music

Word and Response

Worship for Epiphany Sunday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENYMmD7cpeI